The Christmas season is the time of year many of us visit family and friends. We contacted etiquette expert Louise Fox to give us some tips on the do’s and don’t’s of holiday visiting.
Fox tells us many people ask her about whether it is appropriate to bring children along. She tells them it depends on whether the people you are visiting have children themselves. If they do not Fox advises it might be wise to make other arrangements since some homes you are visiting may not be “child-safe” and having kids there could cause problems for the host.
The etiquette teacher also advises not to bring along more people on your visit than you promised, and if you do tell your host ahead of time.
Another important visiting advice from Fox is to never go empty-handed. She suggests bringing some wine, if it is appropriate, or the old stand-by, a box of chocolates.
There’s also advice for hosts about those guests who may overstay their welcome. Fox recommends you be as direct as possible with your guest when you think its time for them to leave or by simply telling your guest of your time limits for the afternoon or evening as soon as they arrive.
